Here's how CS2's Genesis Uplink Terminals work

Last night Valve pushed a modest update to Counter-Strike 2 featuring a new spectator loadout system, new grenade sounds, and a few code and subtick optimizations. However, perhaps the most interesting part of the update is the addition of the Genesis Uplink Terminal, a unique weekly drop that offers skins for sale from the new Genesis Collection.

This new item offers a completely new way for players to acquire skins so we thought it would be worth summarizing how the Genesis Uplink Terminals work.

In essence, players can collect Genesis Uplink Terminals as part of their randomized weekly rewards for playing Counter-Strike 2. Upon activating the terminal, players will be presented with a series of five skins that they can choose to purchase or pass on from the in-game Arms Dealer. If a player chooses to pass on all five skins the terminal is "burned" and can no longer be used.

The system is novel as players do not spend any money opening the case and instead directly purchase a randomized skin of their choice, essentially taking the random element out of CS2 cases. This could perhaps be a way for Valve to skirt increasing scrutiny towards "loot boxes" by many European countries, with bans being floated or passed in multiple countries over the years.

The Genesis Uplink Terminals have thus far received a mixed reception from players, with many finding the new items novel while also criticizing the high price of some items. For example, one image circulating on X shows an M4A4 | Full Throttle being sold for an eye-watering $1,587.32:

It remains to be seen if Valve will adjust prices as the collection grows older but for now the best items cost a pretty penny.